[Note: This post was originally published after my trip to Ukraine in September of 2013. Given recent events, I've decided to repost with some stylistic edits.] As followers of my blog know, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Ukraine with Michigan Farm Bureau and Greenstone FCS for an … [Read more...]
Right-to-Repair Legislation Introduced in Senate
When something on the farm breaks, you fix it. Even in our fast-paced world where things are discarded and replaced, that's how we do things in the country. And that attitude is precisely what Montana's Senator Jon Tester hopes to support with his right-to-repair legislation. The Problem This … [Read more...]
USDA: No Reason to Worry About Pesticide Residues in 2020
I fear I'm starting to sound like a broken record. But in this case, that's a really good thing! This year marks the 30th anniversary of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service's Pesticide Data Program (PDP). Throughout the year, the USDA randomly samples various commodities to monitor and measure … [Read more...]
I Stomped Out the Curls (for a day)
I did a thing. I straightened my curls. It was a huge process. I washed it with regular shampoo and used regular conditioner. I applied straightening cream and leave-in conditioner. I blow dried it used a brush to keep it as straight as possible. The next morning I applied a heat protector and … [Read more...]
Video: Worried About Pesticide Residue?
There's no reason to be worried about pesticide residues! The USDA regulates pesticide use to make farmers use it appropriately and don't overdo it. And it annually tests to make sure any residue present isn't harmful. … [Read more...]
The Natural Fallacy
The natural fallacy is an erroneous belief that anything natural is good, while anything synthetic is bad. Adherents to the natural fallacy often apply this concept to medicine and food. Yet they forget that nature isn't always our friend. There are many things in nature that try to harm … [Read more...]
Study: Consumers Don’t Care About BE
The USDA's mandatory labeling for bioengineered crops (f/k/a GMO) went into effect January 1st. But will it actually change consumer preferences and shopping habits? According to a study from Cornell University, probably not. Researchers looked at data from Vermont in 2016. That's when the state … [Read more...]
Is the GMO Debate Over?
I came across this article listing the reasons why the anti-GMO movement is dead. I certainly agree those are good reasons why the debate should be over. But is it? I'm going to say, "not so fast." I agree that we've seen a huge decrease in the prevalence of the anti-GMO message. Those groups … [Read more...]
Things on My Mind for 2022
I'm not very good at making predictions. I'm a lawyer, and our job description includes predicting all the worst possible scenarios. So usually my prophecies turn out a bit dark. Instead I'm going to focus on things I'm thinking about for 2022. What trends will continue? What changes are on the … [Read more...]
New Year, New Introduction
Let's kickoff 2022 with an introduction. Hi friends, I'm Amanda. I'm an attorney living and working in northern Indiana. I focus my practice on estate planning, probate and estate administration, business formation and administration, and litigation. When I'm not working, I'm the proud fur mom … [Read more...]
